November 22, 2005

Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today applauded Governor Jennifer M. Granholm for signing Michigan’s new Telecommunications Act that protects customers.

“Michigan is among the states with the most competitive telecommunications market,” said MPSC Chairman J. Peter Lark.  “Customers will benefit even more with the new Michigan Telecommunications Act that maintains consumer protections while deregulating many rates.” 

Lark noted that the new telecommunications legislation:

• Gives the MPSC the authority to promulgate service quality rules to protect both the retail customer as well as incumbent and competitive service providers;

• Requires telecommunications service providers that use a new or emerging technology to register with the MPSC to protect customers;

• Ensures that customers have access to enhanced 9-1-1 services or emergency response services; and

• Gives the MPSC the authority to review the intrastate end user common line charge (EUCL) before it is included in customer bills.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Labor & Economic Growth.